Hard Lock Up

[Joffy]

Hi,

I am having problems with my PC locking up when playing games.

Could you please tell me what information you will need to help with
this, also any general things I could try.

Bit of background:

My PC is: AMD 1.7ghz, Abit Mobo, SB live, GeForce 4 ti4600, 1gb Ram,
DirectX 9 (latest version) all window updates (other than SP2) 400watt
PSU

I was having problems with all sorts of games causing hard lockups so
I decided to reinstall windows. I have the latest version of DirectX,
GFX drivers due to the reinstall. I have just installed a game
Pretorians last night and it still locks my PC and I have to use the
reset button.

I will when I am home get all info needed to try and help on this, but
any genral help would be great.

Regards
J

 

[Jimmy S.]

Hi Joffy,

Hardware issues can cause freezing, black screens and other
errors. Also, your drivers should always be kept up to date.

Try the following steps one at a time to try and resolve the issue.
I hope this helps. Please post back if you have any questions!

1. Update DirectX and your Chipset, Sound, &Video Drivers:
For all Video / DirectX / Game and Hardware Issues, I have a
Checklist of Solutions at: http://NibblesNbitsVideo.tk

2. Dust your fans, vents and components using a 1/4" paintbrush
and a hose vacuum. Use compressed air for hard to reach places.
Set a housefan to blow cold air into your case to expose an over-
heating issue.. If it works add more fans or replace defective ones.
Use this Motherboard Monitor Utility: http://mbm.livewiredev.com

3. A faulty power supply can cause STOP errors, random reboots,
and black screen lockups. One way to test for that is to check the
wattage sticker on your power supply and then calculate your need
http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/
(Min. 350 for gaming so your 400 Watt supply is sufficient if it's
operating properly.)

4. Test your RAM using: http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

--
Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Game FAQs: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
Visit my Zone.com / Gaming Helpsite: http://nibblesnbits.tk or Call / Contact
MS Support at: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=sz;en-us;top
My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
_________________________________________________________


| Hi,
|
| I am having problems with my PC locking up when playing games.
|
| Could you please tell me what information you will need to help with
| this, also any general things I could try.
|
| Bit of background:
|
| My PC is: AMD 1.7ghz, Abit Mobo, SB live, GeForce 4 ti4600, 1gb Ram,
| DirectX 9 (latest version) all window updates (other than SP2) 400watt
| PSU
|
| I was having problems with all sorts of games causing hard lockups so
| I decided to reinstall windows. I have the latest version of DirectX,
| GFX drivers due to the reinstall. I have just installed a game
| Pretorians last night and it still locks my PC and I have to use the
| reset button.
|
| I will when I am home get all info needed to try and help on this, but
| any genral help would be great.
|
| Regards
| J

 

[Joffy]

Hi Jimmy,

Thanx for the tips, i have been very busy at work but will get around
to oing what you suggest and report back if it helps. I will also get
around to sorting out proper info on my PC.

Thanx for your time.

Joffy

Hi Joffy,

Hardware issues can cause freezing, black screens and other
errors. Also, your drivers should always be kept up to date.

Try the following steps one at a time to try and resolve the issue.
I hope this helps. Please post back if you have any questions!

1. Update DirectX and your Chipset, Sound, &Video Drivers:
For all Video / DirectX / Game and Hardware Issues, I have a
Checklist of Solutions at: http://NibblesNbitsVideo.tk

2. Dust your fans, vents and components using a 1/4" paintbrush
and a hose vacuum. Use compressed air for hard to reach places.
Set a housefan to blow cold air into your case to expose an over-
heating issue.. If it works add more fans or replace defective ones.
Use this Motherboard Monitor Utility: http://mbm.livewiredev.com

3. A faulty power supply can cause STOP errors, random reboots,
and black screen lockups. One way to test for that is to check the
wattage sticker on your power supply and then calculate your need
http://www.jscustompcs.com/power_supply/
(Min. 350 for gaming so your 400 Watt supply is sufficient if it's
operating properly.)

4. Test your RAM using: http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp

--
Cheers, Windows XP MVP Shell / User
Jimmy S. http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Game FAQs: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];gms
Visit my Zone.com / Gaming Helpsite: http://nibblesnbits.tk or Call / Contact
MS Support at: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=sz;en-us;top
My advice is donated "AS IS" without warranty; nor do I confer any rights.
_________________________________________________________


| Hi,
|
| I am having problems with my PC locking up when playing games.
|
| Could you please tell me what information you will need to help with
| this, also any general things I could try.
|
| Bit of background:
|
| My PC is: AMD 1.7ghz, Abit Mobo, SB live, GeForce 4 ti4600, 1gb Ram,
| DirectX 9 (latest version) all window updates (other than SP2) 400watt
| PSU
|
| I was having problems with all sorts of games causing hard lockups so
| I decided to reinstall windows. I have the latest version of DirectX,
| GFX drivers due to the reinstall. I have just installed a game
| Pretorians last night and it still locks my PC and I have to use the
| reset button.
|
| I will when I am home get all info needed to try and help on this, but
| any genral help would be great.
|
| Regards
| J